Robot robots translate speech into sign language

The low-cost ASLAN robotic arm can help the deaf to communicate easily.

A team of students at the University of Antwerp, Belgium, created a robotic arm with the ability to translate words into sign language, making it easier for the deaf to communicate, Mirror said on March 19. The ASLAN robot arm, which can be printed in 3D from 25 pieces of plastic, costs about $ 560.

ASLAN works by getting information from a digital network, then checking for updated sign language around the world.

The ASLAN robot arm, which can be printed in 3D from 25 pieces of plastic, costs about $ 560.

"This will help change the lives of those who can not hear the sound.We see in reality there is a gap and a barrier between the deaf community and the outside world." ASLAN can lower the barrier. " said Erwin Smet, head of ASLAN student group.

Deaf people are not always supported by sign language interpreters. However, they can often bring ASLAN to classrooms or other places. The arm is low cost and easy to manufacture anywhere with a 3D printer, Smet said.

"We started a few years ago with the thought of helping students who can not hear in everyday communication. This device needs to be reliable, inexpensive and give you the opportunity to program it in languages. We started with small steps, from the hands, wrists to the elbows, " Smet said.

The team studied how to make the robot arm move like a human. They do not need to equip ASLAN with all the couplings on their hands, so they only make a total of 16 joints. Smet expects ASLAN to help the deaf community in the next five years.